Chelsea

Ms Chelsea Sterling

Clinical Mental Health Counselor

“I'm passionate about working with LGBTQ+ and other adults to treat depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues. I'm a certified domestic violence counselor, trained in EMDR and have experience working with serious mental illness as well as outpatient therapy. I offer in person and virtual sessions.”

About Me

I am passionate about helping LGBTQ+ and other adults. We can explore challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues together. As a certified domestic violence counsellor, I offer a secure space. My training in EMDR also supports processing difficult experiences. My goal is to help you find pathways to greater well-being. Sessions are available in-person or virtually, designed to suit your needs.

Approach

When you bring concerns about depression, anxiety, trauma or relationships, I focus on creating practical, steady steps that match your pace and priorities. In-person sessions in San Diego or virtual meetings in English are structured to feel focused but flexible, with space for immediate safety planning when needed. Sessions often mix trauma-processing tools like EMDR with problem-solving, emotional regulation and check-ins between appointments so progress carries into daily life. This approach tends to suit LGBTQ+ and other adults seeking thoughtful, grounded support.
Contact Chelsea

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Crisis Counseling

    Immediate, short-term psychological support during an acute mental health crisis such as a panic episode, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming distress.

  • Wellness Support

    Holistic support focused on overall well-being, including stress management, lifestyle balance, and building sustainable healthy habits.

  • Free Consultation

    A no-cost initial session to meet the therapist, discuss needs, and decide whether they are the right fit before committing.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy
  • Stress Management

    Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more about Stress Management
  • Skills Training

    Structured programmes that teach practical coping and life skills, such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

    Learn more about Skills Training

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Elderly
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Learning or Development Difficulties

    Conditions that affect a person's ability to acquire, process, or apply information, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or intellectual disability, impacting education and daily life.

  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • PTSD

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.

    Learn more about PTSD

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor

    A counselor trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions in clinical settings.

Credentials

Registrations

California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; Professional Clinical Counselor

Qualifications

University of San Diego

Service Areas

Brightside Professional Clinical Counseling

In-person & Online

San Diego, California

United States